Perceived social support and treatment retention on an inpatient addiction treatment unit

The authors measured perceived social support among patients and their families as a predictor of retention in an inpatient addiction rehabilitation program. After detoxification from all substances of abuse, 66 sequentially admitted inpatients gave demographic and diagnostic information and completed scales of perceived social support from the program and their own families. Scales were completed at 7, 14, and 21 days. A total of 46 subjects completed the 21-day program, and 20 did not. Homeless status, initial weak perceived social support from family, and a relatively shorter history of crack-cocaine use were correlated with completion of the program. Patients with stronger connections to shelter and family were less likely to complete an inpatient addiction rehabilitation program. Patients who reported more years of crack-cocaine use were also less likely to complete the program. The authors discuss implications for treatment.